Around 9:30 p.m., the Penetanguishene Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 58 Church Street, fire chief Richard Renaud wrote in an email to Barrie 360.
He says crews arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the front door.
“The building, a sprinklered former hospital (Beechwood Hospital), was vacant and for sale at the time of the fire,” said Renaud. “Initial reports were that people were possibly inside. That information turned out to be false.”
Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze and searched the building.
“The building’s operating sprinkler system kept the fire isolated to the area of origin,” said Renaud. “There were no operating smoke alarms in the building.”
The fire is considered suspicious, according to Renaud. The fire marshal has been contacted and OPP are securing the scene.
He added that there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.
“[I] would like to remind everyone to make sure they have working Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms in their homes,” said Renaud. “Early detection is key in surviving a fire. Test your devices today.”
